Your thoughts on the Camelbak M.U.L.E. (Military Version)?

[RMP91]

I was thinking about getting a Camelbak M.U.L.E. http://www.camelbak.com/Military-Tac...2011-Mule.aspx



List of criteria for this bag:

1. Has to be small and lightweight enough that it will not weigh me down in the long run (Big backpacks do this a lot, even for someone my size, and I'm big for my age).

2. Has to hold at least 3 Liters (6 pounds I think, too lazy to calculate it right now) of water with ice cubes to keep it cold for several hours.

3. Needs to be durable (rip and tear resistant, water bladder is burst resistant, even when ran over by a truck, etc.).

4. While being small and light, has to have enough capacity to store 3 liters of water, batteries, flashlights, a mid-sized fixed blade knife, and maybe perhaps a mid-sized handgun or two with mags (such as the Stoeger Cougar .40 or the Smith and Wesson 4006 TSW) simultaneously. As well as other miscellaneous items.


Will this bag fit the bill? Was planning to use it for metal detecting trips to the beach, parks, hiking trials where people always drop valuable stuff (such as coins, jewelry), as well as make it a 1-2 day pack.


This sounds like a good deal for $121, but I'd like a second opinion before I drop the cash for it.



Oh, and I was gonna get it in Coyote Brown, my father doesn't think the camo patterns offered would do me much good, plus it would look very un-PC if you know what I mean.

[TheChief]

CB makes some good bags for sure, so the durability aspect is more than enough for your needs. The water bladder used in this bag is extra heavy duty and burst resistant. I have a few of these bladders and they are quite impressive.

The bag will hold all the items you listed. However, the addition of "miscellaneous" content is another story as it is a relatively small bag designed to hold optics only.

This is a very small bag so using it for a 1-2 day bag depends on your style of travel, movement, and capabilities living off the land or going without. You may be able to squeeze in some granola bars and trail mix but not MREs or more than one or two DeHy meals. Definitely no rain or shelter gear.

If your an ultralight kinda person, you may be better suited with the CB H.A.W.G pack. They have a military and civilian version. The civi version uses the normal bladder and less durable material. The military version is a more obvious military "look" that some people in this forumn don't think you should have or you will stand out.

Good luck and don't forget to post pics of your load-out when done. Gotta have our gear-porn ya know

[r3dn3ck]

It's just a camel back with a very small storage compartment. You will probably want a little more cargo room and some strap setups for hooking tent/bag/tarp to.

[11HE9]

I have the "Cloud walker"... it carries a bit more cargo (1340cu in). I wanted a hydration/day pack, I got this for my birthday a couple years ago. I take this everywhere, I just need to remember to take out certain items when I fly

[only10x]

I like mine, have hundreds of miles with it so far though I have read that alot of folks have ditched it for the HAWG.

[SwPx4]

+ 1 for the HAWG! and check. Out SKD tactical for the best price i've found. $120!

I'm looking to order mine soon.

[XYZ]

I have a HAWG from 10 years ago that I use for day hikes. I haven't looked into the current models but I want something that holds more so I could also use it as a GHB. That Cloud Walker seems nice. I think the MULE is just too small for my needs.

[wrightb]

These are pretty nice as well and may fit the bill. Not sure exactly how optimized it is for the bladder though.

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Sitka-Gearslinger-12p926.htm

[RMP91]

I like mine, have hundreds of miles with it so far though I have read that alot of folks have ditched it for the HAWG.

I read that the US Navy SEALs use the H.A.W.G. but I cannot independently verify that.

I read somewhere that the M.U.L.E. is used by the US Military to some degree... Any truth to this?

If it's good enough for our armed servicemen/women, it's good (and tough) enough for me.

Plus, it's made in the USA, "no made in China" crap in this one!

[Bobby B.]

I have the black HAWG and like it a lot. HAWG NV I think; it's the only one with side pockets that zip shut, the others have open topped ones. Fits well, doesn't look too tacticool for school, and has a decent amount of packable space. Using it I was able to put together my little BOB/spontaneous camping/four wheeling/weekender bag "system" that works well for me.

A few things I have set up/noticed in mine, FWIW:

- I keep two bladders in there, using the optional black covered "desert hose." Usually just fill the one, but know I can carry two if necessary; one in the bladder compartment and the other in the main compartment.
- If you don't hang the bladder in its compartment (just fit it in there), the firm hanger conveniently fits either my .45 or my 9mm. Mags can go in the zippered side pouches.
- The inside is roomy enough for most things. I've got one of those micro bivvy sacs, first aid kit, water steripen, extra ham handheld, slew of power bars, gloves, etc. in there with room for more.
- It can easily strap to the outside of my "BOB," which is a North Face small waterproof duffel with backpack straps (which has clothes, food, mini stove, etc.), or it can hang from the headrest so I can use the water bladder when four wheeling and not have bottles flying around.

Since I use the stuff all of the time, everything gets cycled through and used regularly, not just for a BOB. But, having everything sort of modular, since most of what I need for any given situation is probably in the truck anyway for outdoor use, I could piece together the "right" BOB supplies if I had to with little regret or effort (i.e., cold or hot weather, add or subtract things, etc.). I'm covered this way both if something happens or I decide to split and have an impromptu weekend with friends.

I have a pic of it in the BOB thread, but couldn't tell you where it is.

[echo1]

I have a M.U.L.E like the one posted only because I came up on it for dirt. It's far too small for anything other than day trips. I use a H.A.W.G. for hunting as it can carry my layered clothing I peel off if it warms up, and handle first aid/survival pouch, filtration, saw, game bag, para chord, trail food, other stuff. I prefer a bag that doesn't waste space between pockets. PAX

[crud]

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[RMP91]

I have a M.U.L.E like the one posted only because I came up on it for dirt. It's far too small for anything other than day trips. I use a H.A.W.G. for hunting as it can carry my layered clothing I peel off if it warms up, and handle first aid/survival pouch, filtration, saw, game bag, para chord, trail food, other stuff. I prefer a bag that doesn't waste space between pockets. PAX

Well, it's not really gonna be a BoB of sorts. It's more or less a day pack with water, a small amount of food (like a sandwich and small bag of chips), batteries, a flashlight, and a hat and a pair of gloves.

Nothing special, gonna be a bag I use for day-long metal detecting trips, so I don't think it needs to be any bigger, it seems to be the perfect size for me.

The HAWG seems to be too big for my needs to be honest.

[RRangel]

I think the M.U.L.E. might be a bit on the small side for your requirements. For that very reason, I opted for the Motherlode, which is bigger than the H.A.W.G. This was an older version mind you. Another option is to try and find a similar pack, maybe from Eagle, Maxpedition, or a similar company. Then you can add a bladder as most of the newer packs are made for holding water.

[easy]

I use an older(14yr?) HAWG. It's what I take out when wacking squaks. Room for two 100oz bladders, but only use one. Lots of room for food and other required stuff. Originally bought it for use back in my MTB days.